Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls recipe

If you’re looking for a healthy, flavorful, and impressive dish that’s easy to make, Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls are the perfect solution. These chicken rolls are stuffed with a delicious mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, creating a savory filling that pairs beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken. The recipe is simple yet elegant, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

This dish can be baked in the oven or prepared in the air fryer, depending on your preference. The spinach and feta stuffing gives the chicken rolls a burst of flavor, while keeping the chicken moist and tender. Plus, this recipe is adaptable—whether you prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, or if you want to add extra seasonings or vegetables, the choice is yours!

Ingredients:

For the Spinach and Feta Stuffing:

• 1 cup (240g) fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup (90g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Chicken Rolls:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680g total)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for seasoning)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
• Toothpicks (or kitchen twine) to secure the rolls

For Baking or Air Frying:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)

Equipment:

• Skillet (for sautéing the spinach filling)
• Sharp knife (for butterflying the chicken)
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine
• Air fryer (optional) or baking dish (for oven)
• Pastry brush (if using oil)
• Tongs (for flipping)
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Spinach and Feta Stuffing:

Time: 10 minutes

• If using fresh spinach: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained of excess water before adding it to the pan.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. If desired, mix in some fresh chopped parsley for added flavor and color.
• Set the spinach and feta mixture aside to cool while you prepare the chicken.

2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:

Time: 5 minutes

• Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle to create two thinner pieces. Be sure not to cut all the way through; leave a small edge intact so that the chicken can be opened like a book.
• Once butterflied, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will help the chicken cook evenly.
• Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). This seasoning gives the chicken extra flavor to complement the stuffing.

3. Stuff the Chicken Rolls:

Time: 5 minutes

• Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach and feta mixture and spread it evenly across the center of each butterflied chicken breast.
• Carefully fold the chicken over the filling to form a roll, securing the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
• Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts.

Note: Be gentle when folding the chicken to avoid tearing the meat. If you find the rolls are difficult to secure, use kitchen twine to tie the rolls instead of toothpicks.

4. Cook the Chicken Rolls:

You can choose to cook these chicken rolls in the oven or in an air fryer.

Option 1: Baking in the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place the stuffed chicken rolls in the dish and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or spray with cooking spray to promote browning.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through.
• For extra golden color, you can broil the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.

Option 2: Air Frying

• Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
• Lightly grease the air fryer basket with olive oil spray or use a pastry brush to brush the chicken rolls with olive oil.
• Place the stuffed chicken rolls in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching to allow proper air circulation.
• Air fry for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Check the rolls towards the end to ensure they are golden and crispy on the outside.

5. Rest and Serve:

Time: 5 minutes

• Once the chicken rolls are cooked, remove them from the oven or air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
• Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers, or with a fresh green salad for a light and healthy meal.
• For a heartier dish, pair the rolls with mashed potatoes, rice, or quinoa.
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon can elevate the flavor and provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the feta and chicken.

Notes:

• Substituting the Feta: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta or goat cheese for a milder flavor. Ricotta is especially creamy and pairs well with spinach.
• Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by using large Portobello mushrooms as the “chicken” and stuffing them with the spinach and feta mixture. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time since mushrooms cook faster than chicken.
• Freezing: These chicken rolls can be made in advance and frozen before baking. To freeze, assemble the rolls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion:

Spinach and Feta Chicken Rolls are a perfect blend of flavors, combining the richness of feta cheese with the earthiness of spinach, all wrapped up in juicy, tender chicken. Whether baked in the oven or air-fried for an even crispier finish, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great option for any meal. Enjoy these rolls with your favorite sides and get ready to savor every bite!